The B.C. Lions released quarterback Garrett Shrader and defensive lineman Hunter Steward from the practice squad on Tuesday.
Garrett Shrader is six foot four and weighs 215 pounds. The 25-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. The B.C. Lions signed Shrader on December 10, 2024. He attended training camp and was released on May 11, 2025. The Lions re-signed him on July 2, 2025. He was on the practice squad for over a month.
Collegiately, Shrader played two seasons at Mississippi State (2019-20) playing wide receiver and quarterback. He made one catch for 8 yards, 113 carries for 587 yards, six touchdowns, completed 88 of 153 passes (58%) for 1,170 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and one tackle (1 solo) in 14 games for the Bulldogs.
Then, Shrader transferred to Syracuse (2021-23) completing 462 of 765 passes (60%) for 5,771 yards, 39 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 436 carries for 1,703 yards, 31 touchdowns, four catches for 1 yard, and two tackles (2 solos) in 35 games for the Orange.
In 2023, he completed 134 of 214 passes (63%) for 1,686 yards, 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 113 carries for 469 yards, 8 touchdowns, four catches for 1 yard, and one tackle (1 solo) in 11 games. He ranks fourth in school history in rushing touchdowns (31), fifth in school history in completions (462), and sixth in passing yards (5,771) and touchdowns (39).
Hunter Steward is six foot six and weighs 315 pounds. The 33-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, signed with the B.C. Lions on July 9, 2025. He spent over a month on the practice squad.
The Ottawa Redblacks signed Steward as a free agent on February 16, 2023. He played 18 games for the Redblacks at left guard in 2022. Before Ottawa, the B.C. Lions drafted Steward in the first round (6th pick) in the 2013 CFL Draft. Steward played 89 games in seven seasons with the Lions.
In 2023, he played 17 games. Ottawa’s offense finished sixth in average points (20.7), tied seventh in offensive touchdowns (33), last in average net offense (318.8), second in average rushing yards (127.6), last in average passing yards (220.4), and last in sacks allowed (71).
The Edmonton Elks signed Steward on April 9, 2024. In 2024, Steward played 16 games. Edmonton’s offense averaged 28 points per game, 390.3 net offense per game, 131.4 rushing yards per game, 271.7 passing yards per game, and 29 sacks allowed finishing 7-11 in the 2024 season.
Collegiately, Steward played three seasons at Liberty University (2010-12) playing left tackle for the Flames. He spent his first season as a defensive lineman before switching to the offensive line a year later.
